DWANDA M. WHITEHEAD
Springfield,United States
Summary
.
Operations professional with proven track record in optimizing processes and driving efficiency. Strong focus on team collaboration, strategic planning, and achieving measurable results. Adept at adapting to changing needs and leading cross-functional teams. Skilled in project management, process improvement, and resource allocation. Dependable and results-driven, known for enhancing operational performance.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD
03.2023 - 09.2025
- Supports the development and implementation of effective administrative management, personnel programs and services for assigned Shipyard departments. Provided internal management consultancy to shipyard departments supporting a 5,000-person civilian workforce, driving improvements in operational efficiency. Collaborated with senior stakeholders to develop and implement comprehensive management policies, aligning procedures with mission-critical goals. Conducted in-depth operational analysis, providing actionable recommendations to modernize and optimize critical shipyard procedures.
- Assigned responsibilities for supporting special emphasis programs, special hiring incentives and continuing programs, such as Pathways internship program, engineering recruitment, career development programs, employee development/training, and performance management.
- Highly analytical operations professional with extensive expertise in command organizational structure, mission objectives, and regulatory compliance.
- Strategic Program Evaluator and Administrative Lead with a proven track record in managing complex shipyard contingencies. Expert in streamlining the full-cycle recruitment process, with specialized focus on high-volume onboarding, fingerprinting, drug testing, and medical physicals. Exceptional communicator skilled at presenting data-driven findings to resolve operational bottlenecks
- Partner with HR and Security to expedite the pre-employment pipeline. Streamlined candidate vetting by scheduling necessary contingencies, reducing time-to-hire and ensuring applicant suitability for TJO. (Tentative Job Offer).
- Gather information and analyze data utilizing the ISP (Integrated Staffing Plan and Share Point for tracking the progress of the contingencies. Draft supplemental administrative policies and procedures by creating SOPs to support the ongoing processes. Review personnel action documents for accuracy prior to submission through SPO (Share point Online). In constant communication with recruits to provide clarity in the onboarding process and ensure each applicant completes the contingency by the estimated onboard date (EOD)
- Highly autonomous professional with a proven track record of 97% accuracy rate while working independently with minimal supervision. Demonstrates exceptional resourcefulness and sound judgment when navigating complex situations.
- Supervisor: JENNY DUPREE (757-396-8958)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
- Series: 0301 Pay Plan: GS Grade: 11
SUPV PROGRAM ANALYST
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD
03.2024 - 06.2024
- Temporary Assignment to facilitate Code 1102.2. Program manager and technical expert of Records Management Program, Correspondence, Directives and Forms Program. Oversee Official Mail and Command Library. Supervise, direct, and coordinate a staff of Management and Program Analysts/Assistants and Mail & File personnel ranging in grade from GS-4 to GS-11. Served as the Command Document Control Manager, providing analysis, interpretation, and implementation of DOD, DON, and NAVSEA Programs primarily in the areas of directives, reports, forms, mail, taskers, messages, records management and correspondence. In this capacity, by working with (execution) points-of-contact throughout the Shipyard.
- Supervisor: LINDA JORDAN (757-639-5973)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
- Series: 0343 Pay Plan: GS Grade: 12
- This is a time-limited appointment or temporary promotion
Training Manager
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD
06.2018 - 03.2023
- Orchestrated comprehensive training and certification programs for 300+ personnel, ensuring 100% compliance with rigorous Nuclear and Non-Nuclear qualification standards. Help organize the recruitment, resume review, and hiring process for new apprentices, collaborating with a team of 9 hiring managers to meet staffing goals. Liaised between training schools, shipyard personnel, medical staff (Occupational/Rad Health), and upper management to synchronize training schedules with operational needs. Utilized ATMS (Automated Training Management Systems) and SUPDESK to track, update, and audit personnel qualifications, preventing certification expirations.
- Provided long and short-term resources and changes to workforce requirements based on project workload adjustments and/or shop performance projections. Operated the Strategic Planning Forecast (SPF) software program to compare workload to available resources making weekly updates. Able to create shop charges analysis report by utilizing PROs (Project Resource Operations Support). Coordinate the allocation/assignment of personnel on Projects by providing an updated qualification training plan for each project. Coordinate bi-weekly meetings with the 900T (Training School) to monitor upcoming training availabilities and analyze trends related to training and medical appointment no-shows, Establish and maintain contacts with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate curriculum-related activities and provide authoritative guidance on curriculum outlines and requirements. Serve as a primary liaison for all external partners concerning curriculum development and implementation.
- Utilize data-driven insights from attendance and no-show reports to inform and recommend improvements in training program effectiveness and scheduling. Collaborate with department leads and subject matter experts to ensure curriculum content is current, effective, and aligns with organizational needs. Engineered an accountability system for counseling personnel on missed classes and medical appointments, significantly reducing 'No Show' rates.
- Orchestrated a competency tracking matrix to identify skill gaps; collaborated with the Continuous Training Development team to schedule targeted instruction for underperforming personnel.
- Modernized Trade Skill Designators, revamping guidance on essential skill sets to align workforce capabilities with evolving technical requirements.
- Maintained 100% compliance for DOD mandatory annual training by generating monthly expiration forecasts and executing corrective training schedules.
- Developed and managed a comprehensive database of qualified personnel, utilizing weekly Generic Qualification Reports to strategically assign staff to critical projects.
- Instruction & Curriculum Development
- Achieved a 95% pass rate as a Lead Instructor for Refresher G560 (Sub Indoc.) by implementing innovative mnemonic 'catch phrase' techniques to improve student retention and test performance.
- Certified as a Right-Thinking Instructor, facilitating workshops designed to enhance workforce self-awareness, diversity and professional alignment.
- Instructed custom courses using the Question Mark platform to address emergent training needs and technical shifts.
- Strategic Leadership & Advocacy
- Served as Executive Director for the Advocacy Program, spearheading initiatives to improve diversity, workforce morale and foster positive relationships between subordinates and upper management.
- Established 'Peer-to-Peer' safety zones, facilitating open communication sessions that allowed personnel to voice concerns without fear of reprisal, improving organizational culture.
- Advised stakeholders and senior leadership on a weekly basis, providing data-driven solutions to complex training challenges and program effectiveness assessments.
- Supervisor: IRIS WRIGHT (757-636-2790)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
- Series: 1601 Pay Plan: GS Grade: 11
Tidewater Comm. College Program Coordinator
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD
08.2015 - 05.2018
- Served as the Apprentice Program Coordinator/Supervisor with the responsibility to coordinate, integrate and provide oversight of the program at Tidewater Community College (TCC). Managed and organized office operations ensuring the day-to-day task were efficient and effective. Created and coordinated classroom schedules for students ages ranging from 18+ to 50+. Have knowledge, skill, and ability to independently manage a developmentally appropriate program for the age groups served. Served as the liaison for Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) between 120 -160 apprentice students and the college. Have knowledge and background experience in developing youth and adults via the Apprentice program encompassing the practicality of principles and techniques. Have familiarity with adult learning techniques and strategies and experience training adults.
- Communicated weekly program objectives to the apprentices about maintaining civility while at college and utilizing safety standards, Operation Risk Management. (ORM) Able to respond to emergency situations and provide evacuation routes and lock down when needed. If an illness, physical injury or emotional disturbance occurs the appropriate authorities are notified immediately to facilitate the individual.
- Maintained various database applications to keep accurate and detailed records of apprentice's attendance and academic performance. Reported and provided weekly feedback to the training school regarding the progress of apprentice's academics.
- Enforced NNSY code of conduct and college policies IAW the contractual agreement. Conferred with Tidewater Community College (TCC) faculty regarding the apprentice program and zero tolerance policy surrounding issues of cheating and harassment while following the risk management procedures. Implemented a referral system to the appropriate manager/dean or faculty when unable to respond to an issue.
- Mentored the apprentices and guided them to the available resources at Tidewater Community College for tutoring. Identified students with learning differences and provided direction to test taking through the resources provided at the school so apprentices can be a success in class and develop into a future leader at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Resolved issues between apprentices and college while notifying the Apprentice Program Director of such issues for accountability. Made recommendations for improvement in behavior and implement corrective action via verbal or written counsel when appropriate to the situation.
- Retained a database inventory of books for classes as a gauge of supply and demand. Kept within budget when purchasing books for upcoming semesters and placing expedited orders when apprentice numbers increased.
- Established and facilitated an orientation program twice per year for incoming apprentice students to TCC as a means of introducing students to provost, deans, faculty, issue books and student ids. Self-motivated, strong time management and organizational skills. Computer skills inclusive of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, for creating spreadsheets, sending emails, doing presentations and word processing programs, at a highly proficient level. Work well in a team environment, as well as independently. Ability to learn new technologies, systems, and processes quickly. Knowledge of organizational practices, supervisory practices and principles. Skilled to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing with strong interpersonal communication skills.
- Supervisor: Lauren Warne (757-396-4765)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Aprentice Supervisor
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
08.2014 - 08.2015
- Assigned as an apprentice supervisor to provide oversight for over 40 apprentices ensuring they attend scheduled training, medical appointments, and scheduled events.
- Led team in daily operational processes, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Mentored junior staff, fostering skill development and teamwork.
- Coordinated training sessions for new employees on safety protocols and procedures.
- Oversaw scheduling and resource allocation for maximum productivity efficiency.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly, providing constructive feedback aimed at promoting growth and improvement within their roles.
- Mentored junior staff for career growth, providing guidance on professional development opportunities.
- Scheduled and conducted biweekly apprentice meetings using brief packets. Conducted briefs using training aids and materials regarding updates from OSHE, IPI's, or work-related processes. Sign in sheets, meeting agenda and training packets were maintained in files for Objective Quality Evidence (OQE).
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Scheduled leave, tracked attendance, loan apprentices to supervisors, pay apprentices, block in ATMS and SUPDESK scheduled events and certify charges using (SUPDESK) Supervisors Desk.
- Operated as a liaison between the apprentice and the waterfront supervisor, Apprentice Program Administrator, Resource Manager and the Project.
- Mentored and evaluated apprentice to verify requirements of the job core task are within the required periodicity.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Provide quarterly progress reports to give the apprentices a gauge in areas needed to improve and make available one on one coaching in those needed areas.
- Perform on the job visits to mentor, evaluate the learning style and progression of the apprentice by visual observation, talking with the waterfront supervisor and their professor at Tidewater Community College. Oversee the apprentice OJL program to ensure the apprentice is assigned to a competent mechanic that will provide meaningful OJL instruction and work needed to complete the required skills to become a journeyman mechanic.
- Supervisor: Chris Faulkner (757-650-0959)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
- Series: 4102 Pay Plan: WG Grade: 9
Education
Associate’s degree - Applied Science
NNSY Apprentice Program/Tidewater Community College
Portsmouth, VA, United States08.2010
Skills
- Operations management
- Recruitment strategy development
- Organizational development
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Recruiter training and mentoring
- Multitasking Abilities
- Recruitment process improvement
- Diversity and inclusion strategies
- New hire orientation
- Administrative skills
- Interviewing techniques
- Job fairs planning
- Interviewing clients
- Candidate and client relations
- Candidate tracking
- Recruitment strategies
- Excel spreadsheets
- Time management
- Applicant tracking systems
- Staff training and development
- Onboarding process management
- Process improvement
- Verbal and written communication
Accomplishments
- Documented and resolved a bottleneck pipeline which led to 320 new hire applicants completing pre-employment contingencies (fingerprinting, physicals and drug test) before EOD (estimated onboard date).
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Achieved recruiting numbers through effectively assisting with job fairs.
- With accuracy and efficiency, achieved a low No Show rate of 97% of applicants completing contingencies on time.
Affiliations
- TCC Student Activities Advisory Council - council member
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society - member
- Federal Women’s Program - member
- Master Works Dance Company – Public Relations
- Norfolk Naval Shipyard Advocacy Program - Vice President
- World Financial Group – Financial Professional-Senior Associate
Certification
- Licensed - Insurance Agent / Senior Associate-2018 (WFG)
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training
- Covey Training
- Right Thinking Training
Language Skills
Spanish Spoken: Novice Written: Novice Read: Advanced
Timeline
SUPV PROGRAM ANALYST
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD
03.2024 - 06.2024
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD
03.2023 - 09.2025
Training Manager
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD
06.2018 - 03.2023
Tidewater Comm. College Program Coordinator
NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD
08.2015 - 05.2018
Aprentice Supervisor
Norfolk Naval Shipyard
08.2014 - 08.2015
Associate’s degree - Applied Science
NNSY Apprentice Program/Tidewater Community College